The winter months are hard for many people. In addition to holiday stress, the days are shorter and cooler. Lack of sun-given vitamin D can have a real affect on mood and daily productivity. Things as simple as not being able to afford the per-fect gift for a loved one, or the pressure to entertain visiting family and guests can make the holiday season even more difficult. If you or a loved one suffers from long-term or seasonal anxiety or depression, the two most common mental health disorders, getting through the winter months and the additional holiday stressors can be a struggle. Fortunately, there are several coping skills we can use to allevi-ate the winter/holiday blues: - Manage your expectations. Avoid the pursuit of a flawless holiday. Focus on relax-ing and enjoying time with family and friends over perfecting the details of each holiday event. - Stay within budget. Stress induced by excessive holiday spending overshadows and outlasts the excitement of the perfect gift. - Keep your routine as normal as possible. Travel and new activities increase stress in both children and adults. - Ask for help. Unload your holiday plate by inviting loved ones to assist with various holiday tasks. Often, they appreciate feeling needed. - Volunteer or donate to your favorite cause. Doing something for others less fortunate helps gain perspec-tive and activates natural internal reward systems, which improves general mental health. This has been a busy and fulfilling year for all of us. As we enter the holiday season, we look forward to continuing to provide the best care possible. At the top of our list are special clients like you. Happy Holidays! ~ Dr. Katie Falwell

Letter from the Director

Amanda’s Corner As we approach the holiday season, I am reminded of how lucky I am to work with

each parent, student, teacher, and behavior therapist here at Keystone. I am

especially grateful for the opportunity to witness the gains each student in the

Academy makes on a daily basis. Jacqueline Huey, our School Psychologist, recently

presented data to staff to illustrate improvements made over the first quarter. I

am happy to report that each student made significant gains over the last quarter

and that several students gained 100 points or more on their most recent Brigance

test. I am in awe of the progress our students have made and want to thank all

of the teachers, behavior therapists, and clinicians who made this possible.

We were presented with many opportunities for community enrichment over the

past two months. Kelli and I would like to extend a special thank you to the following individuals who helped

coordinate these field trips:

Matt Briere-Saltis for coordinating the Jax Beach Air Show

Ty Petway for coordinating the Everbank Stadium Tour

Leslie Johnson, Pat and Anna Finley, LuLu’s, and Louie Dupree, owner of Fantasy Farm, for coordinating the

Fantasy Farm Field Trip

Nora Darr and Kyle Gay for planning a fun filled Intersession week

I hope that you can join us for the Winter Festival on December 18th. Have a safe and Happy Holiday sea-

son!

-Amanda

KBP NEWS 2012

December

Research 2

Specialty Spotlight 2

Employee Spotlight 2

The Academy 3

Recent Events 4-5

Upcoming Events 5

Keystone in the Community 6-7

Important Information 7

Services and Promises 8

Holiday Fun 8

Inside this issue:

KBP Mission

To help children reach

their fullest potential by

providing individualized

treatment using evi-

denced-based clinical

practices. Our team has

the specialized training

and experience needed

to address a broad-range

of concerns including

common behavior prob-

lems as well as severe

behavioral and psychiat-

ric disorders. We strive

to ensure the most com-

prehensive interdiscipli-

nary approach possible

by maintaining close rela-

tionships with a variety

of multidisciplinary ser-

vice providers.

Katherine Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Executive Director

Amanda Davidson, M.S.,

School Director

Keystone has recently dedicated therapeutic resources to introduce and support a popular and effective

behavioral therapy called Parent Child Interaction Therapy.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported therapy aimed at improving family

relationships and compliance in children aged 2-8. PCIT is broken up into two phases, both of which involve

a unique component called “coaching.” In coaching, the therapist watches behind an observation mirror and

gives feedback to the parent working with the child via an ear piece. Thus, the environment the child is

exposed to is consistently devoid of a therapist and they learn quickly to respond to the parent.

The first phase of PCIT is referred to as Child Directed Interactions (CDI). During this phase the parent follows the child’s

lead in Special Play Time and learns relationship building techniques such as Labeled Praise, Reflections, and Behavioral

Descriptions. This phase is geared toward building up positive experiences between the child and the parents. This is key

once the second phase begins, Parent Directed Interactions (PDI). During PDI the parent begins giving commands and

working to gain compliance with the child. Throughout each phase the therapist is giving specific and discrete feedback so

that the parent is learning and developing their skills every step of the way. PCIT has been shown to be effective across

multiple diagnoses, a plethora of parenting styles, many environments, and across all types of children.

For more information regarding PCIT please visit the PCIT International website, www.pcit.org.

Seth Whiting and Mark Dixon of Southern Illinois University published an article in the Fall 2012 issue of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis which includes step-by-step instructions for programming a custom iPhone or iPad applica-

tion for collecting continuous antecedent-behavior-consequence (ABC) data. The programming code included in the

article uses a program called Xcode 4.0.2 which is available to download directly from Apple. The software has various

levels of registration ranging from a free limited use version to a $299 per year version with unlimited tech support

from Apple.

Using Xcode, a user can create an app that will allow them to select from a list of clients, each with a customizable list of antecedent stimuli,

behaviors, and reinforcers. The treatment provider selects the combination and the app automatically timestamps the data. When data

collection is complete, the provider can have the data file emailed to them in a variety of formats.

The coding is relatively easy and has comprehensive step-by-step instructions included. The following link will take you to a pdf copy of the

article. http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/articles/2012/jaba-45-03-0643.pdf

Whiting, S.W. & Dixon, M.R. (2012). Creating an iPhone application for collecting continuous ABC data. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45, 643-656.

It is exciting to be part of the Keystone team! I graduated with my Masters from the University of Florida.

Following graduation, I was employed by a nonprofit clinic serving a variety of patients from preschool age

through the adult population. I worked collaboratively with physical and occupational therapists to provide a

team approach to treatment. In addition to working in the clinic setting, I provided early intervention

services to children from birth to three years of age in their home environment. I gained experience provid-

ing support to parents and assisting with the development of their child’s skills. Family interaction and

collaboration with therapists is an integral part of therapy in order to promote progress and generalization

of skills.

Over the years, I have attended trainings to further develop my expertise in the areas of sensory integration and oral

motor/feeding skills. In January, I will be attending a PROMPT training. PROMPT is an approach to treating speech

production disorders and has been shown to be effective in treating children with a wide range of communication disorders.

PROMPT addresses all aspects and systems involved in speech production. The techniques and information gained from the

PROMPT training will be used with Keystone clients, when appropriate, to promote functional communication. I look forward

to working closely with the families of Keystone to provide a therapy environment that is fun, flexible and functional!

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ~ Matt Briere-Saltis

Recent Research ~ Dr. Andy Hucks, Director of Research

Let’s meet: Jennifer Martin, M.A. CCC/SLP, Speech Therapist

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Spotlights

This month, we would like to highlight Kyle Gay, who has been with The Keystone Academy since

2010. Kyle currently serves as a teacher in P6 where she enjoys creating thematic lessons and

providing individualized instruction.

In November her thematic lessons included the election, the season of fall, and Thanksgiving.

During the month of November, her students also listened attentively to the stories Duck for

President and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves. Kyle enjoys continuing to

grow her skill set through participation in workshops and learning environments, where she can

acquire strategies to continue to effectively promote instruction in the classroom.

Kyle has been a wonderful asset and a team player at The Keystone Academy. We are very lucky to have her as

part of our team!

We have had an exciting and busy month for the Academy! We have had several community outings and are

appreciative for all those who have made this possible for our students!

Mr. Garrett, Ms. Alisha, and Ms. Crystal’s class attended the Jax Beach Air Show on October 18th. The students

were able to meet and have their picture taken with the pilots, see an F-22, and watch several jets take off and

land. Our October intercession was a huge success with activities such as; pottery class, Children’s Hands on

Museum, and a tour of the Everbank Stadium.

Our most recent fieldtrip took place at the Fantasy Farm in Ponte Vedra. The children and families were provided

hayride tours of the facility with a petting zoo and exotic animals. A delicious lunch was provided by LuLu’s in

Ponte Vedra. The families and children enjoyed a fun filled afternoon of feeding and petting the animals, dancing,

playing musical instruments, and touring the beautiful grounds!

For a closer look at all our fun please see the next page for more pictures!

February

Feb 4-8: Intersession

Feb 18: Holiday, No School

January

Jan 1: Keystone Closed

Jan 15: Teacher Workday, No School

Jan 21: Holiday, No School

December

Dec 5: Grace Chionchio, Parent Workshop Series

Dec 7: Community Open House, 5-7pm

Dec 14: Parent’s Night Out 6-9pm

Dec 19-Jan 1: Winter Break

Dec 24/25: Keystone Closed

Dec 31: Keystone Closed

Teacher Spotlight: Kyle Gay

Recent Community Outings

Dates to Remember

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The Keystone Academy

Insert Pic from Airshow Insert Pic from Fantasy farm

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Recent Events at The Keystone Academy

Fall Festival

Academy Intersession: Yoga classes, arts and crafts, field trips, oh my!

3rd Annual Teen “Toy” Drive: Dec 3-10, Keystone will be hosting a drive to benefit the teens at the Children’s Home Society. Please bring in a new and unwrapped teen friendly toy by Dec 10. Some ideas for items include: gift cards, bed linens, body lotions and sprays, duffle bags, makeup, jewelry , iPods/ mp3 players, CDs/ DVDs (PG-13), hair styling accessories, and digital cameras. Thanks in advance for your support!!!

Parent Workshop Series: 1st Wednesday of each month, 6-8pm. Refreshments provided. Please regis-

ter by emailing reception@keystonebehavioral.com. Open to the community, no charge. Upcoming speak-

ers:

Dec 5: Grace Chionchio, Advocate: Navigating your child's IEP and Matrix Score

Community Open House: Dec 7, 5-7pm. Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics will be hosting a community open

house that is open to all providers and families within our community and surrounding counties. Come

and see our exciting and innovative Media and Technology Room, Student Library, Staff and Parent Re-

source Library, Sensory Room, Consultation and Treatment Rooms, and Family and Group Treatment

Rooms.

Parents Night Out: Dec 14, 6-9pm. Parents, take advantage of this great opportunity to do some holi-day shopping or have some down time! Food and Childcare will be provided at Keystone for $10 per child. Academy Winter Festival: Dec 18, 11am-1pm for students and parents. Hosted by the Transition to Middle and Upper School classes, there will be food, carols, and plenty of fun at the Academy! Donations of $2-5 are greatly appreciated to help purchase supplies for baking.

Upcoming Events at Keystone

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Recent Events at Keystone Keystone hosted a blood drive with the Blood Alliance. A great big thanks to all those (staff and families) that came out and donated. Way to help save lives!!!

As we continue to grow we have recently welcomed some new bright minds to Keystone…

Dena Farris was hired as an Insurance Specialist and began her first day with Keystone on November 19th. We

are excited to have Dena join our ever growing billing team…she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to get-

ting prior authorizations for services and making insurance claims process efficiently.

Angela Lipsey was hired as our Billing Manager and began her first day at Keystone on October 29th. Angela has

worked at Nemour’s Children’s Clinic here in Jacksonville and has great experience with all aspects of a billing de-

partment. Angela is a fabulous leader and has already made great strides in developing systems in the billing de-

partment that will assist our families with insurance questions and obstacles while working closely with our soft-

ware developer to create a database that works cooperatively with all the insurance companies.

Say hello to some new members of our family...

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Keystone in the Community... Student Art Show and Reception

The show is currently on display through Dec 7 at the Deerwood Library. There will be a Reception on

Dec 5 at 1:00pm. Please come out and show your support and take a look at the amazing art our students

have created!!

Here is a wonderful piece from our incredible

art teacher, Roseann Egidio. This piece was

featured in the Jacksonville Watercolor Soci-

ety fall show and is now hanging at the St.

Augustine art association thru end of month!

Page 7

Please keep in mind with the upcoming holidays, that clinic statements will be mailed out December 14th

and Academy tuition is due December 17th. Insurance copayments are due at the time service is

rendered. Many insurance companies reset in the new year, making deductibles due again as of January

1st. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our billing department at

billing@keystonebehavioral.com.

A friendly reminder from our billing department...

A Note from our Nurse – Summer Adair, RN, BSN

It’s that time of year where colds and flu seem to be rampant. If you haven’t

already received your flu shot and you are eligible, do it now! It is recommended

by the CDC that…“everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.

Vaccinations should begin in September and continue throughout the flu season which

can last as late as May.”

“The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It

can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu

vaccine each year.”

People who have the flu can often have the following signs and symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny

or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and some people may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

What is the best way to prevent the flu? The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each

season. It is also extremely important to sanitize common items and hands. Good health habits like covering your

cough can help stop the spread of germs.

With the above mentioned, please be mindful of Keystone’s sick policy…

“Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics requires that any children with a fever of 100° or greater; colored discharge

from their nose, eyes or mouth; chest congestion that impedes the natural flow of air; and/or drowsiness/fatigue

that interrupts the ability to perform academic or behavioral skills remain at home until they are symptom free or

on antibiotics for 24 hours. In addition, vomiting and diarrhea (2 or more times) warrant removal from school until

symptoms have ceased for 24 hours and a meal is retained without inducing symptoms. An email reminder will be

sent home specifying what is needed for your child to return to school. Your child must be kept home if he/she

has a communicable disease, has had a fever or vomited within the previous 24 hours. Please do not send your

child to school if he/she is ill (i.e., fever, lethargy or a cough which is making the child uncomfortable).”

Please be considerate of the health of other students, families, and staff. We cannot accept sick children.

Ronald McDonald House “Walk in their Shoes”

Matt Meunier represented Keystone in a 3 mile walk to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more information please visit the following website.

http://www.jax365.com/walk-in-their-shoes-benefiting-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities-of-jacksonville

Keystone in the Community...

We frequently provide treatment for...

Behaviors: Noncompliance/ Refusals, Physical and Verbal Aggression, Social Skill Defi-

cits, Self-injury, Toileting Resistance, Sleep Disturbances, Language/ Communication

Delays, Excessive Fear/ Phobias, Attention Difficulties, Academic Struggles/ Home-

work Refusal, Trauma Related to Abuse and Neglect, Family Relational Problems, At-

tachment and Separation Issues, Medication Refusal, Resistance to Medical Treatment

Diagnoses: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Com-

munication, Speech, and Language Disorders, Learning Disorders, Feeding Disorders,

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Eating Disorders,

Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Developmental Delay, Tics, Sleep Disorders, Enco-

presis/ Enuresis

Crafts are a great way for kids and families to get into the holiday spirit, and

practice important fine motor skills at the same time. Here are just a few, simple ideas.

Paper Bag Reindeer http://crafts.kaboose.com/paper-bag-reindeer.html

Glue Snowman: as simple as glue and wax paper!

http://crafts.kaboose.com/glue-snowman.html

Fun for the Holidays

Services Offered

Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics

6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101

Jacksonville, FL 32216

Phone: 904-619-6071

Fax: 904-212-0309

www.keystonebehavioral.com

Keystone promises to:

* Provide a safe and nurturing environment for all

children

* Promote personal growth (e.g., self-discipline, self-

esteem, self-knowledge)

* Foster a climate that promotes social values such as

responsibility and respect for others

* Challenge children with individualized achievement

standards and community programs that will enable

them to progress at their own pace, encourage them

to strive for excellence facilitate self-help skills, and

foster independence

* Encourage strong family involvement in the life and

treatment of the child

* Establish and maintain partnerships between Keystone,

client families, and the community at large

* Extend learning beyond the Keystone walls by exposing

children to resources within the community

* Provide advocacy, educational, psychological, and

health-related services for children and families

* Explore and celebrate individual differences and contributions

3D Snowflakes http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/winter/3dsnowflakes.htm

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